Feminism and Self-Respect in Sula

Lesson 5
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 3

10th Grade

Lesson 5 of 21

Objective


Analyze the techniques that Zora Neale Hurston uses to characterize Janie. 

Readings and Materials


  • Excerpt: Their Eyes Were Watching God, Chapter 9 by Zora Neale Houston  pp. 89 – 91

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Zora Neale Hurston use literary techniques to reveal Janie’s complex perspective and character? 

Criteria for Success

  • Thesis: Responds to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible interpretation
  • Evidence: Includes multiple and varied evidence to support your line of reasoning
  • Commentary: Explains how your evidence supports your line of reasoning (reason or claim used to support a larger thesis)
  • Sophistication: Demonstrates sophistication of thought or develops a complex literary argument  

Sample Response

Create a free account or sign in to view Sample Response

Key Thinking


Annotation Focus

What lines, words, and phrases reveal Janie’s perspective and character? What is Hurston doing with languages in these lines, words, and phrases?

Scaffolding Questions

What context is provided in the beginning of the scene? What is the significance of it in this excerpt? 

What does the phrase “starched and ironed her face” suggest about Janie? In what way does this juxtapose with the context provided at the beginning of the scene?

What does the phrase “rollicking with the springtime” suggest about Janie?

In what ways does Janie become more self-aware? 

What details does the narrator provide about Nanny and Janie’s relationship? What do these details reveal about Janie’s attitude towards Nanny? What is the significance of Janie’s reflection about her relationship with Nanny?  

Discourse Questions

How does Zora Neale Hurston use literary techniques to reveal Janie’s complex perspective and character? 

What are Janie’s ideas about love, marriage, and relationships? To what extent are her ideas a reflection of society? A reflection of herself? 

Homework


Read and annotate Part 1 of Sula, pages 3-85 by Lesson 9.

  • Annotation Focus:
    • What are your first impressions of the Bottom? 
    • What are your first impressions of Sula? Does she have self respect?
    • What are your first impressions?

Enhanced Lesson Plan

Fishtank Plus Content

Bring your most engaging lessons to life with comprehensive instructional guidance, detailed pacing, supports to meet every student's needs, and resources to strengthen your lesson planning and delivery.

Standards


  • LO 1.3B — Analyze how the writer's use of stylistic elements contributes to a work of literature's effects and meaning.
  • RL.9-10.3 — Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Supporting Standards

LO 1.3A
LO 2.3A
LO 2.3B
LO 2.3C
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.1
W.9-10.2
icon/arrow/right/large copy

Lesson 4

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 6

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free